Ruff House Dog Training & Behavior Modification
Or call (520) 820-7252 or email crystal@ruffhouse.biz for more information.
Reviews
Visitors highly recommend Ruff House Dog Training & Behavior Modification for its knowledgeable trainers, effective training methods, and positive impact on dogs' behavior. They praise the training program's personalized approach, clear communication, and ability to address a variety of canine issues.
AI-generated from the text of reviews
- PattyJul 30, 2024Fantastic trainer!
We have used Ruff House for Puppy training and the Board and Train program. Our experience has been very positive, and our little girl came home calmer, happy and clean. Crystal uses the newest positive training techniques and is great at communicating all during the training sessions and sharing great tips. We look forward to future training with Ruff House. We highly recommend Crystal and Ruff House training! 😍
- KelliJun 8, 2024Best trainer around!!
We just got back our puppy, Sadie, from Crystal’s board and train. It was the best experience and has made a world of difference for Sadie and our family. She learned so much in those three weeks and the training and support we got from Crystal and her team was beyond exceptional. Her lessons and tools are practical for our busy lifestyle, and we love how we can go back and reference videos of her applying the skills with Sadie. We can’t wait to continue other training classes with Ruff House (and neither can Sadie :))!
- SusanJan 16, 2024Dog Training
Ruff House Dog Training is AMAZING! Crystal knew from the start how to deal with the issues we have had with Bishop. Each meeting built on the prior steps we were learning and incorporating. Bishop is a totally different dog. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
- kristinSep 25, 2023Scared Puppy
Crystal and Ruff House dog training is by far the absolute best place to take your dog for training. We had an excellent experience learning a lot of detailed information with ease. Crystal goes put of her way to reach out between classes and see how things are going, always offering tips and advice. Crystal is really a genius in her field and definitely a dog whisper. She turned our nervous little shiba inu puppy into a puppy with confidence. Giving us expert training and methods. I wouldn't take my dog anywhere else. Crystal is a real person, honest, forthright. No nonsense or B.S. we love Ruff House and wish we had more dogs to bring so we could continue the experience. Thank you!! Kristin, Robert & Lulu
- LeAnnJun 24, 2023Ruff House Works Wonders
Our first class at Ruff House was a Novice Agility Class with our 9 month old mini-Aussie. She was a little on the shy side, but by the end of the classes she was starting to become more adventurous. We decided to enroll her in the Fungility Classes. She really loved thieve classes and gained so much confidence that by the end, she was flying through the tunnel, going over the A frame and walkovers, jumping through the tire and over the jumps. She had no trouble with the teeter and would stand, sit and lay down on almost every surface she encountered. Sadie has grown tremendously and we look forward to signing up for more agility classes in the future. Ruff House was fantastic for us and our dog!
- ArleenJun 14, 2023Ruff House Dog Training
Crystal is our Caesar Milan in Tucson. She is a knowledgeable trainer and teaches both her dog and human clients training their difficult dogs. A+!
- AllisonMay 27, 2023Worth Every Penny
Crystal and the entire staff at Ruff House are incredible. I attended puppy part 1 class with my 17 week old puppy. Crystal not only helped with training but was knowledgable on all things puppy related and helped put my mind at ease as a new puppy owner. The training is personalized and not only is Crystal a "dog" person but she is also a "people" person which makes training and learning in her classes that much more effective and comfortable. I also highly recommend getting the guides as an add on, they are priceless.
- CathyApr 11, 2023Great location/Tucson AZ
I have been using Ruff House training for sometime now. I love working with this team as they are super knowledgeable and patient. Both Ariel and Crystal listen to what you are looking to teach your dog or any issues you may be experiencing and help you overcome them. I have lived in Tucson all my life and have had many trainers and would not refer others, but definitely give them a 5 star rating.
- AngieSep 22, 2022Best in Tucson!
Want everyone to love your dogs as much YOU do? We absolutely recommend Crystal Blaker and Ruff House for any kind of dog training needs. Our boys are much better behaved now since graduating the Basic Obedience Class. We look forward to continued training .
~ Angie & Dave - SusanneSep 10, 2022Best training ever
Over my life I have raised and trained 2 Golden Retrievers, 4 Bernese Mountain Dogs, 1 Schnoodle and now a Mini Bernedoodle. They all have different personalities and characteristics. The people at Ruff House know exactly how to train to the dog's specific qualities. I could not be more please with the effort and support I get from being apart of the group training offered. It's been amazing and I will continue to work at Ruff House.
- AnneJul 10, 2022The best dog trainer in town!
I've had three dogs as an adult and with the first two went through a lot of trainers because I never found any to be particularly effective. That all changed with our third dog, Rain. She came to us with A LOT to work on - a shelter dog with no previous training, a fear of strangers and leash reactivity with other dogs. Thank goodness we found Ruff House! We saw huge improvements after just a few sessions. While sit/stay/come are of course important, the best thing she taught us was the "watch me" command - now whenever Rain is uncertain - particularly in situations with strangers or dogs - she will look right at us and wait for us to tell her what to do. She also will not eat snacks or meals until we give her the "OK" command - all thanks to Ruff House. She's so well behaved now that we take her everywhere - to hotels, restaurant patios, even doggy daycare. I can't recommend Ruff House highly enough!
- JeanJun 29, 2022Dog Training Done Right
Ruff House offers hands on training in a small class environment. The ability to focus on the particular wants and quirks of my dog was invaluable. I highly recommend.
- AlisonJun 28, 2022Highly recommend - pawtastic experience!
Crystal was extremely patient and professional with both of my dogs. She worked with them after they had several scuffles with each other in the house, helping us to establish boundaries for each dog, as well as teaching us how to read their body language, and sense when they may be getting stressed or annoyed with one another. I was so impressed at how quickly my dogs responded to, and were comfortable with Crystal. Both dogs are also reactive on leash, and Crystal worked with us to help make walks a more pleasurable experience for all involved. She instilled confidence in my dogs and in me as well. Working with Crystal has truly helped make my household a calmer, more structured place for everyone!
- BarbieJun 28, 2022What a difference
We adopted a two year old Mastiff who did not know anything. We have always trained our own dogs and I felt like we had done a good job, so we thought we could with him as well. Trying to train a dog who was already 130 lbs, that didn't know how to sit, lay down, walk on a leash, respect your body space, or ANYTHING else was a whole different story! After he knocked my daughter down and broke her wrist, we seriously considered finding him a new home. Instead, we got a recommendation of Ruff House for training. We had multiple private sessions and worked on our "home work" in between. He turned into the best family dog we could have ever dreamed of. That was 9 years ago. He is an old man now. We love him dearly and know our time is now limited with him. We are so thankful for Crystal and her training that allowed him to become a valued family member.
- RogerFeb 18, 2022Excellent Service
When we got our 8th month old Irish Wolfhound this past fall, the anticipated 200+ pound size of Oso when fully grown encouraged us to find a trainer ASAP. We noticed that Ruff House was located near us and decided to contact them. Crystal responded to our urgent cry for help right away, and we enrolled in their PhD puppy program. It has worked out so well for Oso with basic control commands that we have elected for further post-doc training. Crystal has an excellent understanding of dog behavior, which has also extended to us as well! We have found her approach to training delightful, and highly recommend Ruff House as a wonderful and effective dog training program.
- MelissaDec 29, 2021Exceptional Dog Trainers
I highly recommend Ruff House for private training. We’ve had an absolutely wonderful experience with our Labrador Retriever puppy, Teddy. During 2021, we had the pleasure of working with both Crystal Blaker and Ariel Berger. Both are talented, kind, problem solvers who adjusted their training styles to fit Teddy’s unique needs, and he was a tricky one (too smart for his own good, and persistent).
We first inquired about private training when Teddy was ~5 months old, to assist with puppy mouthing and jumping, before Teddy became too large to handle. Ariel helped us tweak our training techniques to fit Teddy’s needs, and these issues were quickly solved with the help of a few private sessions and a group puppy obedience class.
As Teddy matured, we faced some new behavioral challenges during his “teenager” phase that we hadn’t dealt with before – separation anxiety (due to the pandemic which kept us from leaving Teddy alone during his puppyhood) and hormone related behaviors (Teddy is our first male pup). We were able to enroll Teddy in a combination of private training options, including in-home private lessons, the “Home Extensive Program” and “Day Train & Play”. The results have been remarkable. Teddy is now 15 months old and he is the best boy. He is able to join us at hotels, restaurants, dog-friendly stores, and we receive compliments everywhere we take him. No one can believe that he is a 1-year-old pup.
Ruff House has exceeded all of our expectations with Teddy, who is now working toward his Canine Good Citizen certification as well as his Rally Obedience Titles. THANK YOU Crystal and Ariel!!! - CindySep 3, 2021Excellent training & bonding with your pet!
My new puppy KaleiKai and I greatly benefited from Ruff House training with Crystal. She's now almost 2 years old, just finished a 3rd class, and she is a happy & well adjusted sweet girl. Everyone in the neighborhood compliments us on how sweet & behaved she is. ❤
- LoriDec 7, 2020Ruff House Rocks
Our young labrador mix, MoJo, has always been a sweetie but somewhat...er... rambunctious. With Ruff House Training we learned how to redirect her energy and keep her engaged with us. She is so much easier to walk and people comment all the time on how well behaved she is for a puppy (7 months), let alone a lab puppy. Crystal gives great instruction and the class had a lot of content. We tried another obedience class previously with a different instructor and did not get half as much out of it as we did with Ruff House. We couldn't be happier.
- KateJun 7, 2019Best Training In Tucson!
Ruff house is exceptional! Crystal has taught us how to work and communicate with our very smart and independent pup :) our puppy’s behavior has improved leaps and bounds with obedience training and now we are taking the next step with private training as well. Worth every penny and more!
- GijsMay 10, 2019Great puppy training class
Our Aussie-Doodle is a bundle of energy, but a handful. It was always a chore just to get her to sit and get a leash on. Not anymore. She sits, comes, releases things she is chewing on, is able to leave things she should have on command. and is a MUCH better behaved puppy than 8 weeks ago. Thank you Ruff House! We are definitely signing up for more classes including the beginners agility in November. We can't wait. Crystal is amazing!
- SallyMar 17, 2019Thumbs Up!
We've had an incredible experience with Ruff House and Crystal Blaker! We have taken Ruff House's Puppy Class, Park Drop-In Class and Advanced Obedience Class. Our pup is a typical lab, high energy and smart, and has progressed really well with Crystal's guidance and patience. She is very knowledgable (keeping up and adapting to new and improved positive approaches to dog training), professional in business practices (also thanks to her business partner/ husband, Michael) and enthusiastic about how to help. Classes are well-planned and fun for both dogs and owners. We are able to see improvement each week as we practice what we learn in class. We've also sent our dog to Crystal for Board and Train, and just signed on for another 2 weeks this Fall. Last time, our pup came back to us happy, relaxed and WAY more well-trained/in control than when we dropped her off! Crystal Blaker of Ruff House knows her stuff and our dog just loves her!
- ConnieDec 26, 2018Amazing Training
There are no words to describe the thanks and gratitide we feel toward Crystal and the training she gave Niko. Niko is our 3rd dog, an 8 month old GSD and he joined us 6 months ago. We also have an 8 year old Border Collie rescue that we have had for 6 years and a 4 yr old GSD Both shepherds are from the same breeder. Niko was unlike any other. A wonderful dog, but with massive drive and full of energy. Even though we exercised him daily, we still had difficulty with training and settling him down. He was head strong and keeping his attention, especially on leash walking was very difficult. Niko was with Crystal for two weeks and the change in him is remarkable. He has learned loose leash walking, although still progressing. He can settle on his own and waits patiently, but still excitedly to go in and out. He has become so enjoyable and we will continue to work with him daily and follow Crystals notes. Her pateince and attitude towards dogs is remarkable. She constantly gives positive reinforcement and you can tell without a shadow of a doubt the dogs love her. I can't believe we were fortunate enough to find this gem. We are so so grateful and we can't wait to come back for more obedience classes. We so highly recommend Crystal, she is bar non amazing.
- LouNov 27, 2018Love Ruff House
My wife and I had our two pups in Ruff House's Board and Train. Could not be happier with the results. We knew our pups were in caring hands and their improvement was remarkable. We would recommend Ruff House to anyone and are glad our vet recommended them to us!
- SenecaMay 16, 2018RUFF HOUSE ROCKS!!!
Crandall and I wanted to thank Crystal at Ruff House for our first ever puppy class with our new Australian Shepard puppy named Jett. I had never taken a dog training class or any sort of dog obedience class before and Crystal taught us everything we know. The class was on time, structured, we had homework, she followed up each week with an email of what we worked on and how to practice. She set us up for success from the very first initial class that we were required to attend without our dog so we would know what to bring, supplies, treats and how to handle our puppy at class, during class and puppy social time at the end of class. We learned a ton, our dog was very successful and graduated and we have already signed up for her park class on Sat. and the next Basic Obedience class in June. We highly recommend Ruff House and we send all of our Nunn Better! Pet sitting clients over to her as well. She makes the class fun, our dogs stay engaged with us and we are setting them up for success right from the get go. RUFF HOUSE ROCKS!
Seneca Nunn, Crandall Smith and Jett - NancyMore than a year agoArizona's Cesar Milan!
I recently completed a 6 week training with my dog, Molly. I wish we'd been in the puppy class but this was the first class I had access to. She's still a lot of puppy to handle but she's well on her way to becoming a great family member thanks to Crystal.
- BethMore than a year agoVeterinarian recommended!!
I am a veterinarian and have had lots of exposure to different trainers and techniques over the years. I recently got a puppy and am happy to be able to personally recommend Crystal and Ruff House. So far, I have used Crystal for a group puppy class, and more recently, my new puppy stayed with her for a board and train. I was going to be out of town and didn't want him to lose even a day of training! Hugo needed a little assistance with his impulse control and housebreaking, as well as continuation of his basic obedience skills. I was able to leave him with Crystal in her clean, safe, well-thought-out space without worry. She even sent me photos and videos of his progress while I was gone. When I picked him up, he was happy to see me but not anxious to leave! He LOVED his time at Ruff House! I feel confident recommending Ruff House to anyone. I am already planning his next "vacation" there.
- MikeMore than a year agoSoo happy with Ruff House
Brought my yellow lab in to Ruff House. In two weeks he is completely changed-its a pleasure to take him for walks or to be around other dogs, Crystal is great to work with.
- Angela NeibelMore than a year agoLoved the puppy class.
My standard poodle pup just finished the group puppy class. Crystal is a great trainer and Rey loved the class. Will definitely be taking another class soon.
- SheldonMore than a year agoFantastic trainer
While in NYC for Thanksgiving, we rescued a 45 lb, 8 months old lab x border collie mix. Jackson was living with a relative and was going to be sent to a shelter because they couldn’t take care of him although he was supposed to be well behaved. We decided to fly him back to Tucson with us; we are in our 70s and already had 2 small dogs but thought we could accommodate one more.
As soon as we got him home he began to jump on us and was virtually uncontrollable. After a few days of desperately trying to train him, I called several trainers and all were completely filled until after the New Year. I started checking no kill shelters because we could not continue with him until sometime in January. Finally, I left a message at Ruff House and requested a recommendation for a no kill shelter in Tucson, indicating that we needed to give him up. Crystal called that night and said she would come over the next day at 8 am and see what she could do. By 9 am Jackson was no longer jumping on us and we had learned several techniques for walking him in a controlled fashion as well as socializing him with the other dogs. The following week Crystal came to the house and helped us get our alpha female Chihuahua and Jackson to coexist. We have now used Ruff House to board and train Jackson for two weeks while we were traveling, have attended a group training session and have had a follow-up session at our home to reinforce what Jackson learned when he was boarded.
From the above, it is obvious that we would not have Jackson now were it not for Ruff House coming to our rescue. Jackson will be 1 year old in 2 weeks and he is now well integrated into our family. We know how to channel his energy, train and correct him, and act as the leader of our pack. Whenever we have questions or concerns, Crystal quickly returns our calls or emails and is able to come up with great suggestions to rectify issues that occur. We think Ruff House is fantastic and give it the highest possible rating.
Traveler Photos
We dug up 3 pictures of dogs at Ruff House Dog Training & Behavior Modification.
Want to feature your creature? Upload a photo of your pet at Ruff House Dog Training & Behavior Modification! You can also share by using the hashtag #bringfido on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.